Saint Ignatius's Quotes

Teach us to give and not to count the cost.

The safest and most suitable form of penance seems to be that which causes pain in the flesh but does not penetrate to the bones, that is, which causes suffering but not sickness.

It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey.

True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honor.

Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the enemy and one from God.

One rare and exceptional deed is worth far more than a thousand commonplace ones.

To have prevented one single sin is reward enough for the labors and efforts of a whole lifetime.

We should always be disposed to believe that that which appears white is really black, if the hierarchy of the Church so decides.

What St. Francis and St. Dominic have done, that, by God's grace, I will do.

It is proper to ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me.

Up to his twenty-sixth year, the heart of Ignatius was enthralled by the vanities of the world. His special delight was in the military life, and he seemed led by a strong and empty desire of gaining for himself a great name.

When Ignatius understood that God did not wish him to remain at Jerusalem, he began to consider what he should do. The plan he approved and adopted was to enter upon a course of study in order to be better fitted to save souls.

While studying at Barcelona, Ignatius was in doubt whether, after completing his studies, he should enter some Religious Order, or go from place to place, according to his custom. He decided to enter upon the religious life.